It seems like every time “ethics” is in the news, the stories are about an investigation, a violation of a law or a moral breach of conduct. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Nebraska, South Dakota, The Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa is working to change this by focusing on the positive.

The BBB Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization offers an annual scholarship program recognizing “Students of Integrity.” These scholarships are designed to promote ethics and integrity among young people, so they may be motivated to continue incorporating moral values into every aspect of their lives. Public, private and home schooled high school seniors from BBB’s service area were invited to participate.

Twelve graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding community service, leadership and personal integrity receive $2,000 scholarships for their post-secondary education expenses at any accredited institution. There are three award winners from South Dakota, three from metro Lincoln/greater Nebraska; three from metro Omaha/southwest Iowa and three from The Kansas Plains. They were chosen by independent panels of judges in Sioux Falls, Lincoln, Neb., Omaha, Neb. and Wichita, Kan. Judging was based mainly on the content of a required essay about an ethical dilemma in business, politics or a community issue. School and community references and activities were also used by the judges in making their final decisions.

BBB is pleased to announce that the students selected for these prestigious awards from the applicants who reside in South Dakota are: Nathan Linke, Woonsocket High School; Noah Keime,  Dakota Valley High School, North Sioux City; and Anne Knoff, Yankton High School, Yankton. In the fall, both Nathan and Anne will be going to South Dakota State University in Brookings. Noah will be attending Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. 

“These ‘Students of Integrity’ personify all of the best aspects of ethical behavior and fine character in their personal choices and actions. They serve as role models for others to emulate,” said BBB President and CEO Jim Hegarty. “Unlike many other scholarships, grades, financial need and ethnicity are not factors in selecting the recipients. Noah, Nathan and Anne are receiving these scholarships because of their commitment to honesty and accountability inside and outside of the classroom.”

SPEARFISH – Nearly 390 Black Hills State University candidates for graduation were awarded master, bachelor, or associate degrees during the University’s 175th Commencement Ceremony this month. 

Jessica Bruce of Woonsocket graduated with a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction.

Eight members of Hope Circle of Spirit of Faith Lutheran Methodist Church met at Prairie View Healthcare Community at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 10. Attending were Kim Hiemstra, the hostess, Barb Coulthard, Jannet Larson, Vickie Hines, JoAnn Schladweiler, Evelyn Mitzel, Vicki Linke, and Sue Larson.

Following the meal, Kim Hiemstra read a devotional. Vicki Linke, chairman, called the meeting to order. Sue Larson, recorder, read the previous minutes and gave a financial report.

JoAnn reported that the Quilt Show and Salad Luncheon has been postponed for the fall.

Two Woonsocket High School seniors were recognized at worship services in the community center on May 6. Trent Feistner and Abby Doering received quilts made for them by the Women’s Mission Quilting Group of Spirit of Faith Lutheran-Methodist Church.

Vacation Bible Camp will be held July 16-19 at the community center with Ne-SoDak counselors leading the four-day event. During that week, school kits and Methodist health kits will be packed. Vicki Linke and Jacki Aymar will apply for a $250 Thrivent Action Team grant to buy supplies for the school kits. JoAnn Schladweiler will order more bags for the kits. Hope Circle will provide a noon meal for the children one day during the camp event.

Vicki Linke announced that she had gone to Sioux Falls to the Kingswood Rummage Sale and found lots of baby items for layette kits.

Residents joining the women for Bible study were Myrna Hjelm, Babe Larson, Alice Baruth, Ellen Ann Zoss Mason and Carole Miller. The study was entitled “All Are Welcome” and was from the Gather magazine.

June 14 will be the next meeting at Prairie View Healthcare Community with Evelyn Mitzel as hostess. Hope Circle does not meet in July or August.